Friday, November 01, 2013
Learned Helplessness
Learned Helplessness
In 1967, Martin Seligman’s seminal research was published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology entitled, Failure to Escape Traumatic Shock. Seligman’s experiment led to the term often used today to describe why poor people do not take obvious steps to climb out of their poverty-stricken circumstances.
In Seligman’s dog study, he used dogs that were shocked and at first, demonstrated the ability to escape.
In the second phase of the experiment, when a barrier was erected, repeated shocks to the dogs led to them passively accepting the shocks.
In the third phase, when the barriers were removed, one would expect the dogs to return to escaping the shocks. Stunningly, even when the animal could see a clear path to escape, they continued to passively accept the shocks, hence the development of the “learned helplessness”. The dogs had been conditioned that their actions made no difference in the outcome, hence the term, learned helplessness.
Learned Helplessness and the Poor
Learned helplessness explains why so many poor people remain in their circumstances day after day, year after year and generation after generation. After so long, the recipients of Federal welfare programs such as food stamps have learned to become totally dependent on the government for their sustenance and as a result they become conditioned that their actions make no difference to the quality of their lives. Their life decisions become grounded in believing that success is rooted in luck which explains why the poor play the Lottery with far greater frequency than any one economic group.
Learned helplessness is a well chronicled psychological construct. The poor make for vulnerable victims and can easily be manipulated. The following is a humorous account of what learned helplessness looks like.
Learned helplessness, however, is no joking matter and these factors should be taken into account before cutting the welfare benefits of food stamp recipients. Symptoms of learned helplessness also include:
· Passivity
· Giving up
· Procrastination
· Decreased problem-solving ability
· Frustration
· Low self-esteem
The frustration aspect of learned helplessness is very concerning when it comes to the reduction of food stamp entitlements. The frustration element of this condition will put many poor people on the street in a desperate attempt to satisfy their basic needs. This cost reduction move, done in this manner and at this time, is a reckless and dangerous move which seriously and suddenly impacts the poor and the country as a whole.
Conditioned Helplessness and Psychological Barriers
A man we knew who lived along the highway had a cattle guard painted on the paved approach to his house which was set back about 50 yards from the road. Cows will not cross this type of barrier, but dogs are different so when this guy got a new Labrador puppy, he would walk it up his driveway every day, then carry the pup back and forth across the “cattle guard.” For many years, whenever you drove by, this dog would charge up the driveway and stop at the edge of the painted barrier and bark his fool head off at passing cars.
Deep cuts to country's food stamp program kick in as Congress debates more
Deep cuts to country's food stamp program kick in as Congress debates more
Forty-eight million Americans will have their food stamps benefits slashed starting Friday, when a recession-era boost in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program expires. The move to cut back benefits will be the first wide-scale change to the program affecting nearly every single participant. The 13.6 percent cut comes out to about $36 a month less for a family of four getting government assistance or $420 a year, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Forty-eight million Americans will have their food stamps benefits slashed starting Friday, when a recession-era boost in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program expires. The move to cut back benefits will be the first wide-scale change to the program affecting nearly every single participant. The 13.6 percent cut comes out to about $36 a month less for a family of four getting government assistance or $420 a year, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Obama’s Hunger Games Is a Prelude to Martial Law
I have come to believe that America is poised to experience food riots. I have further come to believe that these food riots will precede riots which will likely occur when we have a banking holiday imposed on the American people. Congress is complicit with the Obama administration in cutting food stamp benefits for 50 million Americans with virtually no warning. On the surface this is reckless. The government is reducing life-sustaining benefits for a population which is conditioned to not seek out critical solutions to their daily problems.
If Obama, does, what many of us in the media believe he is going to do, he will soon provoke a crisis, declare martial law and use food as the ultimate weapon to subjugate an unruly population. This article provides an assessment of these possibilities.
Beta Testing the Poor
It began with the EBT cards going down for a couple of hours, which prevented many of the poor from buying food. The net result was that it didn’t even take a day for civil unrest to rear its ugly head before the riots began. The Federal government received a quick answer about how long it would take for the poor to riot. I contend that this was a beta test designed to gauge future behavior when Obama uses food as a weapon for real.
Would a modern day American president, in one of the most civilized countries in the world, actually resort to barbarism and starve a vast amount of Americans into submission?
The Obama Facade Cracks at Last
The Obama Facade Cracks at Last
Only now -- five years into his presidency -- are we seeing some cracks in the protective shield surrounding President Obama, and then only after the abuse of reporters' privacy has been threatened. Mainstream journalists have not scrutinized his controversial policies, nor have they held him accountable for questionable actions that have caused outrage among fair-minded critics and produced irreparable harm to the nation.
While Obamcare stuns the U.S., ‘leading from behind’ unravels world peace
The U.S. is transfixed by the Obama administration’s massively bungled attempt to nationalize one sixth of the economy, the health welfare system. But the rest of the world watches the slow motion unfolding of another debacle: the loss of post-World War II American leadership of the worldwide alliance for peace and stability.
Only now -- five years into his presidency -- are we seeing some cracks in the protective shield surrounding President Obama, and then only after the abuse of reporters' privacy has been threatened. Mainstream journalists have not scrutinized his controversial policies, nor have they held him accountable for questionable actions that have caused outrage among fair-minded critics and produced irreparable harm to the nation.
While Obamcare stuns the U.S., ‘leading from behind’ unravels world peace
The U.S. is transfixed by the Obama administration’s massively bungled attempt to nationalize one sixth of the economy, the health welfare system. But the rest of the world watches the slow motion unfolding of another debacle: the loss of post-World War II American leadership of the worldwide alliance for peace and stability.
Spying on the president -- Obama, Merkel and the NSA
Spying on the president -- Obama, Merkel and the NSA
Now we know how pervasive this NSA spying is: It not only reaches the Supreme Court, the Pentagon, the CIA, the local police and the cellphones and homes of all Americans; it reaches the Oval Office itself. Yet when the president denies that he knows of this, that denial leads to more questions. The president claims he can start secret foreign wars using the CIA, secretly kill Americans using drones, and now secretly spy on anyone anywhere using the NSA.
Now we know how pervasive this NSA spying is: It not only reaches the Supreme Court, the Pentagon, the CIA, the local police and the cellphones and homes of all Americans; it reaches the Oval Office itself. Yet when the president denies that he knows of this, that denial leads to more questions. The president claims he can start secret foreign wars using the CIA, secretly kill Americans using drones, and now secretly spy on anyone anywhere using the NSA.
India builds world’s tallest statue: Modi
India builds world’s tallest statue: Modi
The statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s deputy and his interior minister, but often at odds with him, is to be built on a river island in Gujarat, the home state of both Patel and Modi. It will be built in four years and will be twice the height of the Statue of Liberty.
The statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s deputy and his interior minister, but often at odds with him, is to be built on a river island in Gujarat, the home state of both Patel and Modi. It will be built in four years and will be twice the height of the Statue of Liberty.
Feds reviewed only one bid for Obamacare website design
Feds reviewed only one bid for Obamacare website design
Rather than open the contracting process to a competitive public solicitation with multiple bidders, officials in the Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid accepted a sole bidder, CGI Federal, the U.S. subsidiary of a Canadian company with an uneven record of IT pricing and contract performance.
Rather than open the contracting process to a competitive public solicitation with multiple bidders, officials in the Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid accepted a sole bidder, CGI Federal, the U.S. subsidiary of a Canadian company with an uneven record of IT pricing and contract performance.
Brain Implants Will Be Connecting People To The Internet
A Chip In The Head: Brain Implants Will Be Connecting People To The Internet By The Year 2020
All of that may sound like science fiction, but these are technologies that some of the most powerful high tech firms in the world actually believe are achievable by the year 2020. However, with all of the potential “benefits” that such technology could bring, there is also the potential for great tyranny. Just think about it. What do you think that the governments of the world could do if almost everyone had a mind reading brain implant that was connected to the Internet?
All of that may sound like science fiction, but these are technologies that some of the most powerful high tech firms in the world actually believe are achievable by the year 2020. However, with all of the potential “benefits” that such technology could bring, there is also the potential for great tyranny. Just think about it. What do you think that the governments of the world could do if almost everyone had a mind reading brain implant that was connected to the Internet?
What the government gives, it can take away...
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28
What the government gives, it can take away...
Forty-eight million Americans will have their food stamps benefits slashed starting Friday, when a recession-era boost in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program expires. The move to cut back benefits will be the first wide-scale change to the program affecting nearly every single participant. The 13.6 percent cut comes out to about $36 a month less for a family of four getting government assistance or $420 a year, according to the Department of Agriculture.
101 million in U.S. on food assistance
Surpasses number of private-sector workers in country The number of Americans receiving subsidized food assistance from the federal government has risen to 101 million, representing roughly a third of the U.S. population.
Feds reviewed only one bid for Obamacare website design
Rather than open the contracting process to a competitive public solicitation with multiple bidders, officials in the Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid accepted a sole bidder, CGI Federal, the U.S. subsidiary of a Canadian company with an uneven record of IT pricing and contract performance.
Rather than open the contracting process to a competitive public solicitation with multiple bidders, officials in the Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid accepted a sole bidder, CGI Federal, the U.S. subsidiary of a Canadian company with an uneven record of IT pricing and contract performance.
Interesting how CGI Federal is the same company contracted by NSA to create the PRISM social media information collection software...
Muslim Brotherhood 'just like evangelicals'
Department of Homeland Security adviser Mohamed Elibiary has penned yet another controversial tweet, this time likening the Muslim Brotherhood to evangelical Christians and comparing the Brotherhood’s indoctrination to Bible study groups.
Department of Homeland Security adviser Mohamed Elibiary has penned yet another controversial tweet, this time likening the Muslim Brotherhood to evangelical Christians and comparing the Brotherhood’s indoctrination to Bible study groups.
Fort Hood soldiers say Army warned them off tea party, Christian groups
Don’t donate to the tea party or to evangelical Christian groups — that was the message soldiers at a pre-deployment briefing at Fort Hood said they received from a counter-intelligence agent who headed up the meeting.
Don’t donate to the tea party or to evangelical Christian groups — that was the message soldiers at a pre-deployment briefing at Fort Hood said they received from a counter-intelligence agent who headed up the meeting.
Obama Purging Military Commanders
Nine senior commanding generals have been fired by the Obama administration this year, leading to speculation by active and retired members of the military that a purge of its commanders is underway. Retired generals and current senior commanders...say the administration is not only purging the military of commanders they don’t agree with, but is striking fear in the hearts of those still serving.
Nine senior commanding generals have been fired by the Obama administration this year, leading to speculation by active and retired members of the military that a purge of its commanders is underway. Retired generals and current senior commanders...say the administration is not only purging the military of commanders they don’t agree with, but is striking fear in the hearts of those still serving.
Obama Firing of Military Reminiscent of Stalin's Purge
The similarities of distrust and fear between the Soviet “Man of Iron” and the latest POTUS should not go unnoticed. Any student of the last century is familiar with the Stalinist mayhem. Russian history is plagued with atrocities, but the reign of Soviet commissars’ is especially brutal. Uncle Joe’s victims of Soviet Terror, is estimated at 20 million killed during the 1930s by V. Chistyakovoy at the height of the purges with 3.7-7.7% of Red Army officers removed. Are we witnessing the beginning of an American version of a parallel motivation just at lower levels at this point?
DARPA developing implant to monitor brain in real time
In a bid to improve the mental health of soldiers and veterans, DARPA has launched a $70 million project to create an implant that tracks neuron activity and provides quantifiable brain data. There’s a high incidence of mental illness reported among soldiers compared with the general population — in fact, one in nine medical discharges is due to mental illness, according to US Army statistics. This is not surprising. If you ask people to see and do horrific things, it will likely impact them in pretty significant ways.
In a bid to improve the mental health of soldiers and veterans, DARPA has launched a $70 million project to create an implant that tracks neuron activity and provides quantifiable brain data. There’s a high incidence of mental illness reported among soldiers compared with the general population — in fact, one in nine medical discharges is due to mental illness, according to US Army statistics. This is not surprising. If you ask people to see and do horrific things, it will likely impact them in pretty significant ways.
A Chip In The Head: Brain Implants Will Be Connecting People To The Internet By The Year 2020
All of that may sound like science fiction, but these are technologies that some of the most powerful high tech firms in the world actually believe are achievable by the year 2020. However, with all of the potential “benefits” that such technology could bring, there is also the potential for great tyranny. Just think about it. What do you think that the governments of the world could do if almost everyone had a mind reading brain implant that was connected to the Internet?
All of that may sound like science fiction, but these are technologies that some of the most powerful high tech firms in the world actually believe are achievable by the year 2020. However, with all of the potential “benefits” that such technology could bring, there is also the potential for great tyranny. Just think about it. What do you think that the governments of the world could do if almost everyone had a mind reading brain implant that was connected to the Internet?
Helicopters circled overhead and armored vehicles and other police cars flocked to the area following an initial report that a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent had been shot. A sporadic gun battle lasted into the night and the commotion snarled traffic for hours. Police responded by setting up a checkpoint and pointing guns at motorists, as this Associated Press photo shows.
EU Proposal to Monitor "Intolerant" Citizens
"There is no need to be tolerant to the intolerant" — European Framework National Statute for the Promotion of Tolerance, Article 4 "The supra-national surveillance that it would imply would certainly be a dark day for European democracy." — European Dignity Watch
"There is no need to be tolerant to the intolerant" — European Framework National Statute for the Promotion of Tolerance, Article 4 "The supra-national surveillance that it would imply would certainly be a dark day for European democracy." — European Dignity Watch
The nationally-known journalist walked over to the curtains and peeked outside to discover her Chesapeake Bay home was surrounded by law enforcement officers wearing full body armor. held captive by armed agents of the U.S. Coast Guard, Maryland State Police and the Department of Homeland Security as they staged a pre-dawn raid in search of unregistered firearms and a “potato gun.”
Armed agents seize records of reporter, Washington Times prepares legal action
Maryland state police and federal agents used a search warrant in an unrelated criminal investigation to seize the private reporting files of an award-winning former investigative journalist for The Washington Times who had exposed problems in the Homeland Security Department's Federal Air Marshal Service.
Armed agents seize records of reporter, Washington Times prepares legal action
Maryland state police and federal agents used a search warrant in an unrelated criminal investigation to seize the private reporting files of an award-winning former investigative journalist for The Washington Times who had exposed problems in the Homeland Security Department's Federal Air Marshal Service.
Obama’s Justice Department Argues Before Supremes: International Treaties Trump Constitution
The Justice Department is going before the Supreme Court and arguing that the Obama administration has the authority to trump the Constitution with international treaties. Texas Senator Ted Cruz is stepping up to the plate to fight this globalist broadside.
The Justice Department is going before the Supreme Court and arguing that the Obama administration has the authority to trump the Constitution with international treaties. Texas Senator Ted Cruz is stepping up to the plate to fight this globalist broadside.
I looked, and there was a pale green horse! Its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. They were given authority over one-fourth of the earth to kill people using wars, famines, plagues, and the wild animals of the earth. Rev 6:8
Syria polio outbreak confirmed by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 10 cases of polio in Syria - the first outbreak in the country in 14 years. The UN body says a further 12 cases are still being investigated. Most of the 22 people who have been tested are babies and toddlers. Before Syria's civil war began in 2011, some 95% of children were vaccinated against the disease.
‘We’ve reached the end of antibiotics’: Top CDC expert declares that ‘miracle drugs’ that have saved millions are no match against ‘superbugs’ because
A high-ranking official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared in an interview with PBS that the age of antibiotics has come to an end. 'For a long time, there have been newspaper stories and covers of magazines that talked about "The end of antibiotics, question mark?"' said Dr Arjun Srinivasan. 'Well, now I would say you can change the title to "The end of antibiotics, period.”'
Chief Medical Officer ‘ashamed’ as rickets makes a comeback
40 per cent of English children have some kind of vitamin D deficiency...
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 10 cases of polio in Syria - the first outbreak in the country in 14 years. The UN body says a further 12 cases are still being investigated. Most of the 22 people who have been tested are babies and toddlers. Before Syria's civil war began in 2011, some 95% of children were vaccinated against the disease.
‘We’ve reached the end of antibiotics’: Top CDC expert declares that ‘miracle drugs’ that have saved millions are no match against ‘superbugs’ because
A high-ranking official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared in an interview with PBS that the age of antibiotics has come to an end. 'For a long time, there have been newspaper stories and covers of magazines that talked about "The end of antibiotics, question mark?"' said Dr Arjun Srinivasan. 'Well, now I would say you can change the title to "The end of antibiotics, period.”'
Chief Medical Officer ‘ashamed’ as rickets makes a comeback
40 per cent of English children have some kind of vitamin D deficiency...
America’s pork industry has been gripped by an outbreak of porcine diarrhea since mid-May, the first appearance of the condition in North America. US farmers have reported 768 cases of the disease, known as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), through the first week of October, which implies that many more thousands of animals could be affected.
Krokodil use reportedly spreading: What makes dangerous drug so addictive?
More cases of Krokodil use are reportedly popping up around the United States, prompting some medical professionals to warn that the addictive, poisonous drug has reached American shores. The Chicago Tribune reported last week that at least six people in the Chicago area were suspected of having used the opiate drug that can cause the skin to rot away.
More cases of Krokodil use are reportedly popping up around the United States, prompting some medical professionals to warn that the addictive, poisonous drug has reached American shores. The Chicago Tribune reported last week that at least six people in the Chicago area were suspected of having used the opiate drug that can cause the skin to rot away.
The latest example I believe is a new movie called "Bad Grandpa." Some of you may have seen the reviews for this mainstream movie, which stars Johnny Knoxville and 9-year-old Jackson Nicoll. Let's cut to the chase. There is a scene in the preview where Nicoll does a striptease and gyrates on a pole in front of an unsuspecting audience. I know this may come as a shock, but by definition, that constitutes child pornography.
Progressive push to normalize pedophilia
There is no question. There is categorically a movement to normalize pedophilia. I’ve witnessed it firsthand and, despite “progressive” protestations to the contrary, the “pedophile rights” movement is inexorably linked to the so-called “gay rights” movement. http://www.wnd.com/2013/10/
Sodomite couple sexually abused adopted boy for years
An American pedophile has been convicted to 40 years in prison for years of sexual abuse of adopted Russian boy. His boyfriend who assisted in meticulously recording acts of sexual offence is going on trial at home.
Government schools exempted from sex-abuse lawsuits
Private academies must defend claims going back 40 years
(Breitbart) California Senate Bill 131, which is ostensibly about protecting victims of child sex abuse, forces private schools to defend claims of sexual abuse as far back as 40 years ago, but exempts public schools from such claims. Because of the Democratic super-majorities in both houses of California, there is no way to stop the passage of the bill.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/07/
Our pagan government has long used its various institutions as instruments to identify, abduct, groom and initiate children into pedophile rings for the power elite... they believe that ritual abuse, corruption of innocence, and offering blood sacrifice of the innocent gives them greater occult, social, and political power...
(Breitbart) California Senate Bill 131, which is ostensibly about protecting victims of child sex abuse, forces private schools to defend claims of sexual abuse as far back as 40 years ago, but exempts public schools from such claims. Because of the Democratic super-majorities in both houses of California, there is no way to stop the passage of the bill.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/07/
Our pagan government has long used its various institutions as instruments to identify, abduct, groom and initiate children into pedophile rings for the power elite... they believe that ritual abuse, corruption of innocence, and offering blood sacrifice of the innocent gives them greater occult, social, and political power...
Our schools are even teaching our children how to commit sexual sin.
God’s Word makes it quite clear that all sexual activity outside of a, one-man one-woman marriage, is a sin. Homosexuality is an abomination to God, but Satan plants the poisonous tares by saying that it is just a choice of lifestyle. How many single people sitting in pews on Sunday morning have spent Saturday night in bed with their girlfriend or boyfriend? “It’s just human nature,” says the father of all lies, but God’s Word tells us differently. I choose to bring up sexual sin because it is widespread, condoned, and encouraged in music, TV shows, movies, and books, but any behavior that is contrary to God’s word needs to be changed. Our schools are even teaching our children how to commit sexual sin. The wheat will grow strong in the Lord, but the tares will poison those who partake of it.
Possible Human Bones, 'Occult' Altar Found In Home By Cleaning Crew
Animal skulls, chains, bones from a goat and possibly other animals, a skull mask with a black hood, candles and a machete were among the items that were found in the home's backyard shed. Police say that some of the bones, including a partial skull, are suspected of being human and have been sent to an out-of-state lab to determine whether any DNA evidence can be found.
Animal skulls, chains, bones from a goat and possibly other animals, a skull mask with a black hood, candles and a machete were among the items that were found in the home's backyard shed. Police say that some of the bones, including a partial skull, are suspected of being human and have been sent to an out-of-state lab to determine whether any DNA evidence can be found.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Our schools are even teaching our children how to commit sexual sin.
God’s Word makes it quite clear that all sexual activity outside of a, one-man one-woman marriage, is a sin. Homosexuality is an abomination to God, but Satan plants the poisonous tares by saying that it is just a choice of lifestyle. How many single people sitting in pews on Sunday morning have spent Saturday night in bed with their girlfriend or boyfriend? “It’s just human nature,” says the father of all lies, but God’s Word tells us differently. I choose to bring up sexual sin because it is widespread, condoned, and encouraged in music, TV shows, movies, and books, but any behavior that is contrary to God’s word needs to be changed. Our schools are even teaching our children how to commit sexual sin. The wheat will grow strong in the Lord, but the tares will poison those who partake of it.
http://raptureready.com/featured/graham/g303.html
http://raptureready.com/featured/graham/g303.html
Five days of flares and CME's - 26 M and X-class solar flares
23 of the 26 M- and X-class flares on the Sun between 18:00 UTC on October 23 and 15:00 UTC on October 28, 2013, as captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. It also shows the coronal mass ejections, great clouds of solar material bursting off the sun into space, during that time as captured by the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory.
ANOTHER X-FLARE
Consider it a parting shot. Just before sunspot AR1875 rotated over the sun's western limb on Oct. 29th, it unleashed a powerful X2-class solar flare. NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the explosion's extreme ultraviolet flash.
Consider it a parting shot. Just before sunspot AR1875 rotated over the sun's western limb on Oct. 29th, it unleashed a powerful X2-class solar flare. NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the explosion's extreme ultraviolet flash.
M 6.2 earthquake struck offshore Maule, Chile
Strong earthquake registered as M 6.2 (USGS, EMSC) occurred at 02:51 UTC on October 30, 2013. The epicenter was located 9 km (6 miles) SSE of Constitucion and 268 km (167 miles) SW of Santiago, Chile.
Strong earthquake registered as M 6.2 (USGS, EMSC) occurred at 02:51 UTC on October 30, 2013. The epicenter was located 9 km (6 miles) SSE of Constitucion and 268 km (167 miles) SW of Santiago, Chile.
5.3-magnitude earthquake hits China’s Jilin Province
A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Hunchun city in north-east China’s Jilin Province in the early hours today. No casualties or damage was reported so far, local officials said. The quake hit the city at 4.17 a.m. local time with its epicentre at a depth of 539 km, the China Earthquake Networks Centre said.
A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Hunchun city in north-east China’s Jilin Province in the early hours today. No casualties or damage was reported so far, local officials said. The quake hit the city at 4.17 a.m. local time with its epicentre at a depth of 539 km, the China Earthquake Networks Centre said.
Insurers Oppose Obamacare Extension as Danger to Profits
Insurers Oppose Obamacare Extension as Danger to Profits
Allowing Americans more time to enroll for health coverage under Obamacare may raise premiums and cut into profits, insurers are telling members of Congress in a bid to stop such a move. Extending the enrollment period would have a “destabilizing effect on insurance markets,” said Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for the Washington-based lobbyist group American’s Health Insurance Plans.
Allowing Americans more time to enroll for health coverage under Obamacare may raise premiums and cut into profits, insurers are telling members of Congress in a bid to stop such a move. Extending the enrollment period would have a “destabilizing effect on insurance markets,” said Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for the Washington-based lobbyist group American’s Health Insurance Plans.
DARPA developing drone-mounted lasers to shoot down missiles
DARPA developing drone-mounted lasers to shoot down missiles
The research and development arm of the US Department of Defense plans to establish drone-mounted laser weapons, a scheme referred to as ‘Project Endurance’ in the agency’s 2014 budget request.
The research and development arm of the US Department of Defense plans to establish drone-mounted laser weapons, a scheme referred to as ‘Project Endurance’ in the agency’s 2014 budget request.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Lindsey Graham: I’m blocking Senate appointments until Benghazi survivors testify
Lindsey Graham: I’m blocking Senate appointments until Benghazi survivors testify
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told “Fox and Friends” that he planned to block Senate appointments until all survivors from last year’s terrorist attack on a U.S. compound in Libya could testify before Congress.
First Western eyewitness in Benghazi to go public gives account of attack, warning signs
The witness -- a former British soldier who for decades helped protect U.S. diplomats and military leaders -- told CBS’ “60 Minutes” that Al Qaeda forces first attacked the U.S. Special Mission Compound in which Ambassador Christopher Stevens was killed. Then they launched a second attack on a secret CIA annex about a mile across the city. “They knew what they were doing,” the security guard told CBS. “That was a well-executed attack.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told “Fox and Friends” that he planned to block Senate appointments until all survivors from last year’s terrorist attack on a U.S. compound in Libya could testify before Congress.
First Western eyewitness in Benghazi to go public gives account of attack, warning signs
The witness -- a former British soldier who for decades helped protect U.S. diplomats and military leaders -- told CBS’ “60 Minutes” that Al Qaeda forces first attacked the U.S. Special Mission Compound in which Ambassador Christopher Stevens was killed. Then they launched a second attack on a secret CIA annex about a mile across the city. “They knew what they were doing,” the security guard told CBS. “That was a well-executed attack.”
Syria polio outbreak confirmed by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 10 cases of polio in Syria - the first outbreak in the country in 14 years. The UN body says a further 12 cases are still being investigated. Most of the 22 people who have been tested are babies and toddlers. Before Syria's civil war began in 2011, some 95% of children were vaccinated against the disease.
‘We’ve reached the end of antibiotics’: Top CDC expert declares that ‘miracle drugs’ that have saved millions are no match against ‘superbugs’ because
A high-ranking official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared in an interview with PBS that the age of antibiotics has come to an end. 'For a long time, there have been newspaper stories and covers of magazines that talked about "The end of antibiotics, question mark?"' said Dr Arjun Srinivasan. 'Well, now I would say you can change the title to "The end of antibiotics, period.”'
Chief Medical Officer ‘ashamed’ as rickets makes a comeback
40 per cent of English children have some kind of vitamin D deficiency...
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 10 cases of polio in Syria - the first outbreak in the country in 14 years. The UN body says a further 12 cases are still being investigated. Most of the 22 people who have been tested are babies and toddlers. Before Syria's civil war began in 2011, some 95% of children were vaccinated against the disease.
‘We’ve reached the end of antibiotics’: Top CDC expert declares that ‘miracle drugs’ that have saved millions are no match against ‘superbugs’ because
A high-ranking official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared in an interview with PBS that the age of antibiotics has come to an end. 'For a long time, there have been newspaper stories and covers of magazines that talked about "The end of antibiotics, question mark?"' said Dr Arjun Srinivasan. 'Well, now I would say you can change the title to "The end of antibiotics, period.”'
Chief Medical Officer ‘ashamed’ as rickets makes a comeback
40 per cent of English children have some kind of vitamin D deficiency...
Global warming gets nearly twice as much taxpayer money as border security
Global warming gets nearly twice as much taxpayer money as border security
New estimates show the federal government will spend nearly twice as much fighting global warming this year than on U.S. border security. ...Global warming spending is estimated to cost $22.2 billion this year, and $21.4 billion next year. At the same time, the federal government will spend nearly $12 billion on customs and border enforcement this year.
New estimates show the federal government will spend nearly twice as much fighting global warming this year than on U.S. border security. ...Global warming spending is estimated to cost $22.2 billion this year, and $21.4 billion next year. At the same time, the federal government will spend nearly $12 billion on customs and border enforcement this year.
Obama 'gutting military' by purging generals
Obama this year alone has fired some nine generals and flag officers, on top of at least four similar dismissals during his first term, suggesting that a purge may be the real reason behind the removals, which are being described as cases of personal misbehavior. Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Vallely, an outspoken critic of the Obama administration, claims it is part of Obama’s strategy to reduce U.S. standing worldwide.
Obama this year alone has fired some nine generals and flag officers, on top of at least four similar dismissals during his first term, suggesting that a purge may be the real reason behind the removals, which are being described as cases of personal misbehavior. Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Vallely, an outspoken critic of the Obama administration, claims it is part of Obama’s strategy to reduce U.S. standing worldwide.
Federal agents' pre-dawn raid on reporter's home raises questions
Federal agents' pre-dawn raid on reporter's home raises questions
The nationally-known journalist walked over to the curtains and peeked outside to discover her Chesapeake Bay home was surrounded by law enforcement officers wearing full body armor. held captive by armed agents of the U.S. Coast Guard, Maryland State Police and the Department of Homeland Security as they staged a pre-dawn raid in search of unregistered firearms and a “potato gun.”
Armed agents seize records of reporter, Washington Times prepares legal action
Maryland state police and federal agents used a search warrant in an unrelated criminal investigation to seize the private reporting files of an award-winning former investigative journalist for The Washington Times who had exposed problems in the Homeland Security Department's Federal Air Marshal Service.
The nationally-known journalist walked over to the curtains and peeked outside to discover her Chesapeake Bay home was surrounded by law enforcement officers wearing full body armor. held captive by armed agents of the U.S. Coast Guard, Maryland State Police and the Department of Homeland Security as they staged a pre-dawn raid in search of unregistered firearms and a “potato gun.”
Armed agents seize records of reporter, Washington Times prepares legal action
Maryland state police and federal agents used a search warrant in an unrelated criminal investigation to seize the private reporting files of an award-winning former investigative journalist for The Washington Times who had exposed problems in the Homeland Security Department's Federal Air Marshal Service.
Helicopters circled overhead and armored vehicles and other police cars flocked to the area following an initial report that a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent had been shot. A sporadic gun battle lasted into the night and the commotion snarled traffic for hours. Police responded by setting up a checkpoint and pointing guns at motorists, as this Associated Press photo shows.
Washington Earthquake Strikes North of Leavenworth
Washington Earthquake Today 2013 Strikes North of Leavenworth
A Washington earthquake today 2013 has struck north of Leavenworth. The Washington earthquake today October 29, 2013 began within the hour. No reports of injuries have yet to be detailed by local news. Officials tell news that a 3.2 magnitude Washington earthquake today began just after 4:24 AM PST. The quake had virtually no depth. USGS indicates to news that the quake started only seven miles below ground level. As a result the quake could be felt across the approximate region.
Mount Etna eruption lights up Sicilian sky
An eruption by Europe's most active volcano has sent a tower of sparks and fire into the sky around it. The plume of ash rising from Mount Etna can be seen across much of eastern Sicily. Its eruptions are not infrequent, but the last major one occurred in 1992.
Northern Europe cleaning up after monster storm hits
Cleanup was under way Tuesday in several European countries following a destructive storm that killed at least 13 people and disrupted travel and power. At least two storm-related deaths were confirmed Monday in Britain and a third person was missing after being swept out to sea, officials said
Dangerous 90 mph storm hits England
Dangerous hurricane-force winds topping 90 mph wreaked havoc in much of England and southern Wales Monday, stranding millions of commuters and air travelers.
A Washington earthquake today 2013 has struck north of Leavenworth. The Washington earthquake today October 29, 2013 began within the hour. No reports of injuries have yet to be detailed by local news. Officials tell news that a 3.2 magnitude Washington earthquake today began just after 4:24 AM PST. The quake had virtually no depth. USGS indicates to news that the quake started only seven miles below ground level. As a result the quake could be felt across the approximate region.
3.3-magnitude quake reported near The Geysers
COBB, Calif. – The US Geological Survey reported Sunday night that the area near The Geysers geothermal steamfield was shaken by a 3.3-magnitude earthquake. The quake occurred at 9:59 p.m., the survey reported.
COBB, Calif. – The US Geological Survey reported Sunday night that the area near The Geysers geothermal steamfield was shaken by a 3.3-magnitude earthquake. The quake occurred at 9:59 p.m., the survey reported.
Series of earthquakes leaves Israelis jittery
Five moderate earthquakes rattled northern Israel this week, causing no major damage but prompting increased concern over the Jewish state's preparedness for a much larger disaster.
Five moderate earthquakes rattled northern Israel this week, causing no major damage but prompting increased concern over the Jewish state's preparedness for a much larger disaster.
Mount Etna eruption lights up Sicilian sky
An eruption by Europe's most active volcano has sent a tower of sparks and fire into the sky around it. The plume of ash rising from Mount Etna can be seen across much of eastern Sicily. Its eruptions are not infrequent, but the last major one occurred in 1992.
Northern Europe cleaning up after monster storm hits
Cleanup was under way Tuesday in several European countries following a destructive storm that killed at least 13 people and disrupted travel and power. At least two storm-related deaths were confirmed Monday in Britain and a third person was missing after being swept out to sea, officials said
Dangerous 90 mph storm hits England
Dangerous hurricane-force winds topping 90 mph wreaked havoc in much of England and southern Wales Monday, stranding millions of commuters and air travelers.
Strong eruption of Mount Etna, 14th paroxysm of the year from new SE crater
Following a slow gradual build-up of increasing strombolian activity and a swarm of earthquakes the New Southeast Crater (NSEC) of Etna has produced a new episode of lava fountaining (paroxysm) on the morning of October 26, 2013. This comes almost six months after the previous paroxysm.
Following a slow gradual build-up of increasing strombolian activity and a swarm of earthquakes the New Southeast Crater (NSEC) of Etna has produced a new episode of lava fountaining (paroxysm) on the morning of October 26, 2013. This comes almost six months after the previous paroxysm.
Major X1.0 solar flare erupts with bright CME - glancing blow expected on October 31
Increased solar activity will continue this week. Beta-Gamma-Delta classified Active Region 1875 erupted with major solar flare reaching X1.0 at 02:03 UTC on Monday, October 28, 2013. A bright Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is visible emerging from the Sun. This region is located on the west limb and the majority of material is heading away from Earth. However, it appears that the eastern flank of the expanding cloud may still be Earth directed and a glancing blow impact to our geomagnetic field will be possible within 72 hours.
ANOTHER X-FLARE
Earth-orbiting satellites detected an X1-class solar flare from sunspot AR1875 on Oct. 28th at 0203 UT. This is the 3rd X-flare since Oct. 25th, which means solar activity is still high. Stay tuned for more information about the latest eruption.
Increased solar activity will continue this week. Beta-Gamma-Delta classified Active Region 1875 erupted with major solar flare reaching X1.0 at 02:03 UTC on Monday, October 28, 2013. A bright Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is visible emerging from the Sun. This region is located on the west limb and the majority of material is heading away from Earth. However, it appears that the eastern flank of the expanding cloud may still be Earth directed and a glancing blow impact to our geomagnetic field will be possible within 72 hours.
ANOTHER X-FLARE
Earth-orbiting satellites detected an X1-class solar flare from sunspot AR1875 on Oct. 28th at 0203 UT. This is the 3rd X-flare since Oct. 25th, which means solar activity is still high. Stay tuned for more information about the latest eruption.
David Cameron makes veiled threat to media over NSA and GCHQ leaks
David Cameron makes veiled threat to media over NSA and GCHQ leaks
In a statement to MPs on Monday about last week's European summit in Brussels, where he warned of the dangers of a "lah-di-dah, airy-fairy view" about the dangers of leaks, the prime minister said his preference was to talk to newspapers rather than resort to the courts. But he said it would be difficult to avoid acting if newspapers declined to heed government advice. The prime minister issued the warning after the Tory MP Julian Smith quoted a report in Monday's edition of the Sun that said Britain's intelligence agencies believed details from the NSA files leaked by the US whistleblower Edward Snowden had hampered their work. The Sun quoted a "top surveillance source" as saying that terrorists had "gone quiet" after the publication of details about NSA and GCHQ operations.
Europe mulls sanctions against US over spying
The United States could lose access to an important law enforcement tool used to track terrorist money flows, German officials said Monday, as Europe weighed a response to allegations that the Americans spied on their closest European allies.
US to 'review' spying activities amid European outrage
US President Barack Obama is calling for a review of his intelligence services, with their spying activities having caused an unprecedented rift with EU allies. Speaking to ABC News on Monday (28 October), Obama refused to give details on how much he knew about the illegal spying carried out by the National Security Agency and revealed by whistleblower Edward Snowden.
US spy policy: Pressure mounts on White House
Pressure is growing on the White House to explain US intelligence gathering and why President Barack Obama appeared not to know the extent of operations. The intelligence agency head and other officials are to testify before the House of Representatives later. And the chair of the Senate's intelligence committee called for a "total review" of US spying programmes.
Obama ‘knew and approved’ NSA spying on Chancellor Merkel – report
Obama was aware of NSA spying on German Chancellor Angela Merkel since 2010, German media have revealed. An NSA spokeswoman later denied the allegations. According to German Bild am Sonntag newspaper, which cited US intelligence sources, National Security Agency chief Keith Alexander briefed Obama on the bugging operation against Merkel in 2010.
In a statement to MPs on Monday about last week's European summit in Brussels, where he warned of the dangers of a "lah-di-dah, airy-fairy view" about the dangers of leaks, the prime minister said his preference was to talk to newspapers rather than resort to the courts. But he said it would be difficult to avoid acting if newspapers declined to heed government advice. The prime minister issued the warning after the Tory MP Julian Smith quoted a report in Monday's edition of the Sun that said Britain's intelligence agencies believed details from the NSA files leaked by the US whistleblower Edward Snowden had hampered their work. The Sun quoted a "top surveillance source" as saying that terrorists had "gone quiet" after the publication of details about NSA and GCHQ operations.
Europe mulls sanctions against US over spying
The United States could lose access to an important law enforcement tool used to track terrorist money flows, German officials said Monday, as Europe weighed a response to allegations that the Americans spied on their closest European allies.
EU Proposal to Monitor "Intolerant" Citizens
"There is no need to be tolerant to the intolerant" — European Framework National Statute for the Promotion of Tolerance, Article 4 "The supra-national surveillance that it would imply would certainly be a dark day for European democracy." — European Dignity Watch
"There is no need to be tolerant to the intolerant" — European Framework National Statute for the Promotion of Tolerance, Article 4 "The supra-national surveillance that it would imply would certainly be a dark day for European democracy." — European Dignity Watch
US to 'review' spying activities amid European outrage
US President Barack Obama is calling for a review of his intelligence services, with their spying activities having caused an unprecedented rift with EU allies. Speaking to ABC News on Monday (28 October), Obama refused to give details on how much he knew about the illegal spying carried out by the National Security Agency and revealed by whistleblower Edward Snowden.
US spy policy: Pressure mounts on White House
Pressure is growing on the White House to explain US intelligence gathering and why President Barack Obama appeared not to know the extent of operations. The intelligence agency head and other officials are to testify before the House of Representatives later. And the chair of the Senate's intelligence committee called for a "total review" of US spying programmes.
Obama ‘knew and approved’ NSA spying on Chancellor Merkel – report
Obama was aware of NSA spying on German Chancellor Angela Merkel since 2010, German media have revealed. An NSA spokeswoman later denied the allegations. According to German Bild am Sonntag newspaper, which cited US intelligence sources, National Security Agency chief Keith Alexander briefed Obama on the bugging operation against Merkel in 2010.
DARPA developing implant to monitor brain in real time
DARPA developing implant to monitor brain in real time
In a bid to improve the mental health of soldiers and veterans, DARPA has launched a $70 million project to create an implant that tracks neuron activity and provides quantifiable brain data. There’s a high incidence of mental illness reported among soldiers compared with the general population — in fact, one in nine medical discharges is due to mental illness, according to US Army statistics. This is not surprising. If you ask people to see and do horrific things, it will likely impact them in pretty significant ways.
In a bid to improve the mental health of soldiers and veterans, DARPA has launched a $70 million project to create an implant that tracks neuron activity and provides quantifiable brain data. There’s a high incidence of mental illness reported among soldiers compared with the general population — in fact, one in nine medical discharges is due to mental illness, according to US Army statistics. This is not surprising. If you ask people to see and do horrific things, it will likely impact them in pretty significant ways.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Fort Hood soldiers say Army warned them off tea party, Christian groups
Fort Hood soldiers say Army warned them off tea party, Christian groups
Don’t donate to the tea party or to evangelical Christian groups — that was the message soldiers at a pre-deployment briefing at Fort Hood said they received from a counter-intelligence agent who headed up the meeting.
Don’t donate to the tea party or to evangelical Christian groups — that was the message soldiers at a pre-deployment briefing at Fort Hood said they received from a counter-intelligence agent who headed up the meeting.
CBS May Drop Benghazi-Bomb On Obam
CBS May Drop Benghazi-Bomb On Obama
CBS May Drop Benghazi-Gate Bomb On Team Obama Sunday Night On 60 Minutes... Fox News' chief correspondent James Rosen reports 60 Minutes may air their long awaited report Sunday. (Video)
Despite Benghazi, Libyans may train with U.S. military
The Obama administration has drawn up draft rules that would end a decadeslong ban on Libyans getting military training in the U.S., according to documents obtained by House Republicans who said Thursday that it’s the wrong move after last year’s Benghazi attack.
CBS May Drop Benghazi-Gate Bomb On Team Obama Sunday Night On 60 Minutes... Fox News' chief correspondent James Rosen reports 60 Minutes may air their long awaited report Sunday. (Video)
Despite Benghazi, Libyans may train with U.S. military
The Obama administration has drawn up draft rules that would end a decadeslong ban on Libyans getting military training in the U.S., according to documents obtained by House Republicans who said Thursday that it’s the wrong move after last year’s Benghazi attack.
Most Americans accumulating debt faster than they’re saving for retirement
Most Americans accumulating debt faster than they’re saving for retirement
A majority of Americans with 401(k)-type savings accounts are accumulating debt faster than they are setting aside money for retirement, further undermining the nation’s troubled system for old-age saving, a new report has found. Three in five workers...are “debt savers,” ...meaning their increasing mortgages, credit card balances and installment loans are outpacing the amount of money they are able to save...
A majority of Americans with 401(k)-type savings accounts are accumulating debt faster than they are setting aside money for retirement, further undermining the nation’s troubled system for old-age saving, a new report has found. Three in five workers...are “debt savers,” ...meaning their increasing mortgages, credit card balances and installment loans are outpacing the amount of money they are able to save...
US drones strategy relies ‘too much on killing people, too little on solving the problems’
Using drones in Pakistan and elsewhere is part of the US anti-terrorism strategy that relies way too much on killing people, and way too little on solving the problems, Bennis said. Amnesty International has issued a report claiming US officials responsible for carrying out drone strikes may have to stand trial for war crimes, listing civilian casualties in the attacks in Pakistan. Human Rights Watch issued a similar report on Yemen.
Using drones in Pakistan and elsewhere is part of the US anti-terrorism strategy that relies way too much on killing people, and way too little on solving the problems, Bennis said. Amnesty International has issued a report claiming US officials responsible for carrying out drone strikes may have to stand trial for war crimes, listing civilian casualties in the attacks in Pakistan. Human Rights Watch issued a similar report on Yemen.
Mozilla's Lightbeam tool will expose who is looking over your shoulder on the web
Just who is looking over your shoulder when you browse the Internet? Tomorrow, web users will be given a new tool to shine a light on the commercial organisations which track your every movement online. Lightbeam, a download produced by Mozilla, the US free software community behind the popular Firefox browser, claims to be a “watershed” moment in the battle for web transparency.
Irritated EU leaders voice ‘lack of trust’ with US after spying claims
EU leaders say their relations with the US have been undermined by reports of NSA spying on European leaders and ordinary citizens. A partnership with America should be built on respect and trust, they said in a joint statement. The statement was released on Friday amid the ongoing summit of top European politicians in Brussels. It said the reports of American surveillance in Europe have raised “deep concerns” among the citizens and may harm cooperation between the EU and the US, particularly in counter-terrorism.
Just who is looking over your shoulder when you browse the Internet? Tomorrow, web users will be given a new tool to shine a light on the commercial organisations which track your every movement online. Lightbeam, a download produced by Mozilla, the US free software community behind the popular Firefox browser, claims to be a “watershed” moment in the battle for web transparency.
Irritated EU leaders voice ‘lack of trust’ with US after spying claims
EU leaders say their relations with the US have been undermined by reports of NSA spying on European leaders and ordinary citizens. A partnership with America should be built on respect and trust, they said in a joint statement. The statement was released on Friday amid the ongoing summit of top European politicians in Brussels. It said the reports of American surveillance in Europe have raised “deep concerns” among the citizens and may harm cooperation between the EU and the US, particularly in counter-terrorism.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)